Drunk Driving Decreases This Fourth of July

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports less drunk driving arrests this Fourth of July.

Trooper Stephen Williams of the Zanesville Post of the State Highway Patrol says locally they had around 600 stops, 400 of which were for speeding and other offenses. 75 were seatbelt violations, and only 5 were DUI arrests.

Trooper Williams says they had only two crash-related injuries over the holiday. The next big drinking holiday the Patrol will be focusing on is Labor Day.

"People need to remember that they are operating a 3500 pound piece of metal." he said "When their senses are numbed by alcohol, it decreases their likelihood of successfully operating that vehicle."

He also wants to remind people that the Patrol understands people want to go out and have a good time, they just don't want people to get behind the wheel while under the influence.

"Call a friends, call a cab." said Trooper Williams. "The answers are simple, but some people just don't think about it that way."

He says next to impaired driving, speeding is an issue in our area on major holidays.

"We find that speed is a major cause in most accidents." he said. "The speed limit is set for a reason, and if people just take their time, slow down, and leave a little bit early it prevents the situation where they are hurrying and could get in an accident"

Overall, Trooper Williams said that anytime numbers are down for a holiday, they consider it a success, and wants to remind motorists not to drink and drive any day of the year.